After a car accident in Mobile, Alabama, you might worry that you can’t file a claim without a police report. Maybe the crash seemed minor at the scene, or the police never showed up to document what happened. The truth is, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries even without an official police report. However, the lack of this crucial document can make building a strong case much harder while giving insurance companies more room to deny or reduce your claim.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, our experienced car accident attorneys in Mobile know how to build solid injury claims even without a police report. We gather the evidence you need to prove fault and secure fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

When we manage your case, we protect your rights from day one and handle all communication with insurance adjusters trying to minimize your claim. We have helped countless Mobile residents recover compensation after accidents, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Call 251-888-8888 now for a free consultation—there is no cost unless we win your case. 

When Do I Have to File a Police Report After a Car Accident in Alabama?

In Alabama, you must call police after a car accident to protect yourself and your legal rights, such as when filing a claim for damages. Following certain types of car accidents, you are legally required to file a police report. The law distinguishes between calling police to the scene and filing a written report with the state.

You must legally file a police report in Alabama when these circumstances exist:

• Injuries or Death Occurred: Call law enforcement immediately if anyone suffers an injury or dies in the crash. Even minor injuries that seem insignificant at the scene can worsen over time and require documentation.
• Property Damage Over $250: File a written SR-13 report within 30 daysif any single vehicle sustains more than $250 in damage. This applies regardless of who caused the accident or whether you have insurance.
• Uninsured Driver Involvement: Submit a completed SR-31 form within 30 daysif an uninsured driver caused more than $500 in damage to your vehicle. This separate report goes to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Failing to report an accident that resulted in injuries or deaths is a Class C felony (a criminal offence) in Alabama. This serious criminal charge can result in jail time and a permanent criminal record that affects your employment and future. You could also lose your driving privileges if you don’t file the required written reports within 30 days.

Insurance companies may deny your claim entirely if you violate Alabama’s reporting requirements, leaving you personally responsible for all medical bills and repair costs.

Can I Still Sue After a Car Accident in Mobile If I Don’t Have a Police Report?

Yes, you can still file a lawsuit after a car accident in Mobile, Alabama, even without a police report. A police report is not legally required to pursue compensation for your injuries. However, winning your case becomes significantly more difficult when you lack this critical piece of evidence.

Why Missing a Police Report Makes Your Case Harder

Insurance companies use police reports, along with other evidence, to help them determine who caused the accident. Without this official documentation, adjusters will scrutinize your claim more closely, questioning every detail. They may argue that the crash never happened or try to blame you for causing it. Alabama’s harsh contributory negligence law means if you share even one percent of the fault, you get nothing. This rule makes it easier for insurance companies to get out of paying anything – even when a claim is valid.

You cannot rely on a statement from the other driver at the scene. Without an officially documented statement, they can easily change their story weeks or months after the crash. Without a police officer’s objective investigation, your case turns into a case of your word against theirs. Insurance companies exploit this situation and offer unfairly low settlements or deny claims entirely.

Will Insurance Companies Process Claims Without a Police Report?

Yes. Most insurance companies in Mobile, Alabama, will accept claims without a police report. Your insurance policy does not legally require one to cover your claim. However, expect longer processing times and intense scrutiny from adjusters who question every detail.

Claims without police reports are more frequently denied or result in lowball settlement offers because insurers lack independent verification of fault. Your own collision coverage typically pays for vehicle repairs regardless, but getting compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance becomes significantly harder without official documentation.

How Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys Builds a Strong Case When No Police Report Exists

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we take immediate action to build a strong case on your behalf, even if you don’t have a police report.
Our car accident lawyers get to work right away, gathering compelling evidence on your behalf, including:

• Obtaining credible witness statements
• Preserving surveillance footage
• Hiring accident reconstruction professionals — as needed
• Helping you obtain medical records that link your injuries directly to the crash
• Securing cell phone records that may show the other driver’s negligence – such as distracted driving 
• Photos of vehicle damage and road conditions 

Evidence quickly gets lost, cleared away, or destroyed after a car accident: Surveillance footage gets deleted, witnesses forget details, and physical evidence disappears from the scene. Every day you wait to contact an attorney makes proving your case more challenging – especially if you have no police report. It also gives insurance companies more ammunition to deny your claim. 

You only have two years from your accident date to file a lawsuit in Alabama. Even with a police report, it takes time to build a compelling case. Without a police report, building a winning case takes even longer and requires more investigation.  

Don’t delay getting started. Contact our trusted Mobile law firm 251-888-8888 today to find out if you have a case. We can start gathering the evidence you need before it vanishes forever. 

What Information is Included in My Car Accident Police Report? 

An Alabama police report contains critical details that insurance companies and courts rely on to help them determine who caused your crash in Mobile, Alabama. You should know what information appears in this report and how it helps you.  
Information documented in your police report include:

• Basic Details About the Accident: The report includes the date, time, and exact location where your crash occurred.  
• Driver and Vehicle Information: You will find names, addresses, license numbers, and insurance details for all parties involved. The report also lists the make, model, year, and damage descriptions of each vehicle.
• Responding Officer’s Observations: The most important section includes witness statements, each driver’s account of the crash, and how the officer believes the crash happened based on evidence observed at the scene.  
• Accident Diagram: A sketch shows vehicle positions, points of impact, and relevant road features to illustrate how the collision occurred. 
• Road and Weather Conditions: The officer documents road surface conditions, weather, lighting, and visibility at the time of your accident.  
• Citations and Violations: Any traffic tickets issued or violations observed appear in the report indicating which driver broke traffic laws and whether that violation led to the crash. 
• Injury Information: Includes injuries reported at the scene and whether emergency medical services transported anyone to the hospital.  

Obtain a copy of your car crash report as soon as it is available, and review it immediately to make sure all the details recorded are correct. Uncorrected police report errors can hurt your injury claim. 

How Having a Police Report Benefits You and Protects Your Legal Rights

A police report creates an independent, official record of your accident before evidence disappears. This document protects you from false claims by the other driver and also establishes critical facts, including who violated traffic laws and caused the crash.  
Insurance companies take police reports seriously because the details are observed and notated by neutral third parties who have no financial interest in the outcome. The report strengthens your injury claim by documenting the scene, road conditions, witness statements, and the officer’s determination of fault.

Without a police report, you will have a much harder legal battle proving your case and recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How do I get a copy of a car accident police report in Mobile?

You can request your Mobile police report online through the Mobile Police Department website for $15. Reports typically become available three to ten business days after your accident. You will need your case number or accident details to request the report.

Need Legal Help After a Car Accident in Mobile? Call Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys Today.

Whether you have a police report or not, protecting your car accident claim starts with getting experienced legal representation immediately.

While having a police report is optimal, at Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we know how to build strong cases even when a victim does not have one. Our knowledgeable Mobile car accident lawyers help you gather the evidence you need, deal with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation, allowing you to focus on your health and healing.

Missing a police report does not take away your right to pursue compensation. Our highly qualified legal team is prepared to thoroughly investigate your accident. We are deeply committed to holding at-fault drivers accountable, and we provide personalized attention and aggressive representation in every case.

Worried about cost? Don’t be. There are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees to pay. As “Andy” says – If we don’t win, we don’t get a dime!

Don’t let insurance companies use a missing police report against you.
Call Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys today251-888-8888 and let us protect your legal rights.